Frontier Justice, Bloody Monday and the Diamond Hoax of 1872

In this episode, Mike heads deep into Kentucky to bring you these stories from the Bluegrass State. My Old Kentucky Home is Kentucky’s State Song and a wonderful old ballad by America’s first professional songwriter Stephen Foster. This episode starts with his story. Then we’ll hear about an old west legend: Judge Roy Bean, the Law West of the Pecos. Next up is the tragic story of the Bloody Monday Riots in Louisville in 1855. Then we’ll hear about one of the greatest hoaxes in American history, the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. Finally we’ll hear the fascinating story of the legacy of boxing great and humanitarian Muhammad Ali, both inside and outside the ring. Music recorded live at the Rosine Barn Jam in Rosine, Kentucky (for more information click HERE)

Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

In this episode, Mike takes us on a wild romp through Southern Ohio. The episode begins with the story of Hang on Sloopy and how it became the official rock song of Ohio. Annie Oakley was a born sharpshooter, but growing up in western Ohio wasn't easy. Hear the story of her formative years in this episode. In 1884, corruption in Cincinnati led to one of the worst riots in American history. Find out how it started and what future U.S. President was involved in the clean up. You'll also hear about the Portsmouth Spartans, the NFL team who hosted the first night game and played the first playoff game in a hockey rink full of elephant manure. Finally, hear about the early life of Dave Thomas who went on to found the third largest fast food chain in the world which started right here in Ohio. Music for this episode comes from Megan Bee.